I cannot believe it has almost been a year since Matt + Rhiana’s destination wedding weekend at the stunning Half Moon Resort in Jamaica. This wedding was so special. Rhiana is an amazing stylist and poured her heart into their weekend and it really showed. She created such an amazing guest experience and even we felt like family by the time we left!
First up was their welcome pool party at their private villa. If you aren’t having a pool party with your guests the day before your wedding- you are doing it wrong. Half Moon Jamaica was the perfect resort for the weekend because all of the guests were able to stay in villas together- in fact we got to stay with some of the guests and having breakfast every morning was one of the highlights! Their pool party was such a great way to kick of the weekend!
Rhiana surprised Matt with a custom rehearsal dinner dress made by her dear friend and designer Aziio. She had the lyrics from their first dance song embroidered on the bottom of the bow. They did a first look which was featured on Love Stories TV which you can watch here. I have never done a rehearsal dinner first look before but now I think it is a must!
For their rehearsal dinner Rhiana designed the tablescape herself and their guests dined under the stars with the ocean on one side and the mountains on the other.
And let me tell you- the dinner that night was probably the best meal I have ever eaten at a wedding- I still dream about it. The chefs at Half Moon know what they are doing.
One of my favorite moments during getting ready is that Rhiana was literally sewn into her Vagabond X Katie Fong dress! If you know Rhiana you know she has a love for bows so she obviously needed the perfect one on her wedding dress. Once on her bestie Ben sewed that baby up.
Matt and Rhiana rented out the gorgeous Rose Hall with hopes of a ceremony on the steps. Unfortunately after sun all week it began to storm seconds before the ceremony started. Luckily we got some pictures on the grounds beforehand.
Rain on your wedding day is never ideal but these two were amazing and pivoting and changing plans. Their guests crowded under an awning on the back porch to watch Matt and Rhiana promise forever.
The sun back out a few hours later where we got the dreamiest sunset photos at the resort. Rhiana’s dress had a removable skirt which was such a fun added touch!
Once the reception got started Rhiana surprised her guests with another dress change- a Sareh Nouri that was perfect for twirling. They danced under the bistro lights and stars.
After some beautiful toasts and a delicious dinner Rhiana changed into a sparkly Mira Zwilliger after party dress where they ended the night with a champagne tower and a confetti popper last dance.
It was an amazing weekend that was over far too quickly. Cheers to almost a year!
You can view their whole wedding film here
Photography – Molly McManus
Venue – Rose Hall Jamaica and Half Moon Jamaica
Event Stylist – Rhiana Wells (the bride!!)
Dress Designer – Aziio.Vagabond X Katie Fong Sareh Nouri Mira Zwilliger
Suit Designer – Nautica
Florals – Tai Flora Luxe and Half Moon Jamaica
Band – PACE band
